The complex influence of magnesium citrate and chromium citrate on the functioning of glutathione defense system in rats’ liver with alloxan diabetes

Abstract

The aim of our research was investigation of the influence of magnesium citrate (in the dose of 250 mg Mg²⁺/kg b.w.) in the complex with chromium citrate (in doses of 25 mkg Cr³⁺/kg b.w. and 10 mkg Cr³⁺/kg b.w.) on the glutathione defense system in the rats' liver, as a possible means of the prevention of diabetes complications. It was shown, that in the animals with alloxan diabetes, the content of the reduced glutathione and glutathione reductase activity was significantly decreased. Reduced glutathione content likely is associated with its increased use for the removal of reactive oxygen species, as well as the reduction of the content of reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. This in turn leads to the inhibition of glutathione reductase, responsible for the renovation of intracellular glutathione pool. It was found, that the prophylactic administration of magnesium citrate and chromium citrate in the diet of the animals with alloxan diabetes leads to the stabilization of the pro/antioxidative status of rats' liver. This stabilization was accompanied by the significant increase of the glutathione peroxidase activity and also by increase of the reduced glutathione content.